Louis Douglas "Doug" Thurman passed away at 4:08 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 77. Doug was born December 1, 1948, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Curnie Alvin Thurman and Lucille Blythe Thurman. He grew up on the family farm outside Dyersburg, one of six children. From an early age, Doug and his brother Glenn shared much of the labor of farm life, learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and knowing how to get things done. Away from the farm, baseball was a big part of Doug’s childhood. He was a proud and competitive All-Star first baseman who played throughout his youth and high school years. He graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1966.In October 1969, at the age of 20, Doug was drafted into the United States Army. Trained as a wheeled-vehicle mechanic, he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam in June 1970 and served nearly a year with the 855th General Support Company, U.S. Army Support Command, Da Nang. He was promoted to Specialist Four and was twice awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He also earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge, and was honorably discharged at Fort Lewis, Washington, in June 1971. After returning home, Doug began a nearly 30-year career with United Parcel Service, working as both a package car driver and a feeder driver before retiring in the early 2000s. But his greatest pride was always his family, especially his children. He cherished being a father and loved being involved in their lives as they grew up. A remarkably talented and resourceful man, Doug could build or fix almost anything. He was heavily involved in the building and design of the family home, as well as many of the playhouses his children enjoyed while growing up. He fixed the family cars, took on carpentry and painting projects, and was happiest when he had something to work on with his hands. His children grew up knowing that if something was broken, Dad could fix it—and if something needed to be built, he could build it.In retirement, Doug spent much of his time at his “cabin” on Kentucky Lake, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, boating, riding the backroads, and building bonfires. He enjoyed spending time at the local Moose Lodge where, as a devoted UT Vols and Titans football fan, he cheered on his favorite teams. Most mornings, he met for coffee and conversation with his close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as “The Liar’s Club.” He could almost always be found listening to his favorite music from the ’60s and ’70s, and he loved to dance with anyone who would.Doug was a true jokester with a wonderfully goofy sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh, especially children. His friends adored him, and he had a way of bringing fun and laughter wherever he went. He was a loving son, father, brother, grandfather, and friend who shared countless lessons with his children—lessons they will carry with them throughout their lives. His laughter, his humor, his generosity, and his unmistakable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Curnie and Lucille Thurman, and his sisters, Patty Thurman Via, Bette June Thurman Brandel, and Jann Kallas.He is survived by his son, Chad Douglas Thurman (Andrea) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; his daughters, Wendi Kristen Thurman (James) of Nashville, TN, and Emily Thurman Moss (Walter) of Inlet Beach, FL; his granddaughters, Isla Annabelle Moss and Ember Aliana Thurman; his sister, Jacquelyn Blythe Stone (Ike) of Dyersburg, TN; his brother, Glenn Alvin Thurman (Lynda) of Dyersburg, TN; the children’s mother, Brenda Gail Viar Thurman; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A private family service will be held at a later time.  

.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mooseheart, a charity that was near and dear to Doug’s heart at https://www.mooseheart.org/